DECLARATION

From the series of events which have taken place in the churches for many years past, especially in this western country, as well as from what we know in general of the present state of things in the Christian world, we are persuaded that it is high time for us not only to think, but also to act, for ourselves, to see with our own eyes, and to take all our measures directly and immediately from the Divine Standard. To this alone we feel ourselves divinely bound to be conformed, as by this alone we must be judged.

We are also persuaded that as no man can be judged for his brother, so no man can judge for his brother, but that every man must be allowed to judge for himself, as every man must bear his own judgment, must give an account of himself to God. We are also of the opinion that, as the divine word is equally binding upon all, so all lie under an equal obligation to be bound by it, and it alone, and not by any human interpretation of it. And that therefore no man has a right to judge his brother, except in so far as he manifestly violates the express letter of the law. That every such judgment is an express violation of the law of Christ, a daring usurpation of his throne, and a gross intrusion upon the rights and liberties of his subjects. We are therefore of the opinion that we should beware of such things, that we should keep at the utmost distance from everything of this nature. And, that knowing the judgment of God against them that commit such things, we should neither do the same ourselves, nor have pleasure in them that do them.

Moreover, being well aware from sad experience, of the heinous nature, and pernicious tendency of religious controversy among Christians, tired and sick of the bitter jarrings and janglings of a party spirit, we would desire to be at rest. And, were it possible, we would also desire to adopt and recommend such measures as would give rest to our brethren throughout all the churches, as would restore unity, peace, and purity, to the whole church of God. This desirable rest, however, we utterly despair either to find for ourselves, or to be able to recommend to our brethren, by continuing amidst the diversity and rancor of party contentions, the veering uncertainty and clashings of human opinions. Nor indeed, can we reasonably expect to find it anywhere but in Christ and his simple word, which is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Our desire, therefore, for ourselves and our brethren would be that rejecting human opinions and the inventions of men, as of any authority, or as having any place in the church of God, we might forever cease from further contentions about such things. And returning to, and holding fast by the original standard, taking the divine word alone for our rule, the Holy Spirit for our teacher and guide to lead us into all truth, and Christ alone as exhibited in the word, for our salvation. That by so doing, we may be at peace among ourselves, follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Impressed with these sentiments, we have resolved as follows:

I. That we form ourselves into a religious association under the denomination of the Christian Association of Washington, for the sole purpose of promoting simple evangelical Christianity, free from all mixture of human opinions and inventions of men.

II. That each member, according to ability, cheerfully and liberally subscribe a certain specified sum, to be paid half yearly, for the purpose of raising a fund to support a pure Gospel Ministry, that shall reduce to practice that whole form of doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, expressly revealed and enjoined in the word of God. And also for supplying the poor with the Holy Scriptures.

III. That this society consider it a duty, and shall use all proper means in its power, to encourage the formation of similar associations. And shall, for this purpose, hold itself in readiness, upon application, to correspond with, and render all possible assistance to, such as may desire to associate for the same desirable and important purposes.

IV. That this society, by no means, considers itself a church, nor does it at all assume to itself the powers peculiar to such a society. Nor do the members, as such, consider themselves as standing connected in that relation, nor as at all associated for the peculiar purposes of church association, but merely as voluntary advocates for church reformation. And, as possessing the powers common to all individuals, who may please to associate in a peaceable and orderly manner, for any lawful purpose, namely, the disposal of their time, counsel, and property, as they may see cause.

V. That this society, formed for the sole purpose of promoting simple evangelical Christianity, shall, to the utmost of its power, countenance and support such ministers. And such only as exhibit a manifest conformity to the original standard in conversation and doctrine, in zeal and diligence. Only such as reduce to practice that simple original form of Christianity, expressly exhibited upon the sacred page without attempting to inculcate anything of human authority, or private opinion, or inventions of men, as having any place in the constitution, faith, or worship, of the Christian church, or, anything as matter of christian faith or duty, for which there cannot be expressly produced a “Thus saith the Lord” either in express terms, or by approved precedent.

VI. That a standing committee of twenty-one members of unexceptionable moral character, inclusive of the secretary and treasurer, be chosen annually to superintend the interests and transact the business of the society. And that said committee be invested with full powers to act and do, in the name and behalf of their constituents, whatever the society had previously determined, for the purpose of carrying into effect the entire object of its institution. And that in case of any emergency, unprovided for in the existing determinations of the society, said committee be empowered to call a pro re nata meeting for that purpose.

VII. That this society meet at least twice a year on the first Thursday of May and of November. And that the collectors appointed to receive the half-yearly quotas of the promised subscriptions, be in readiness, at or before each meeting, to make their returns to the treasurer, that he may be able to report upon the state of the funds. The next meeting to be held at Washington on the first Thursday of November next.

VIII. That each meeting of the society be opened with a sermon, the constitution and address read, and a collection lifted for the benefit of the society, and that all communications of a public nature be laid before the society at its half-yearly meetings.

IX. That this society, relying upon the all-sufficiency of the Church’s Head, and, through His grace, looking with an eye of confidence to the generous liberality of the sincere friends of genuine Christianity, holds itself engaged to afford a competent support to such ministers, as the Lord may graciously dispose to assist, at the request, and by invitation, of the society, in promoting a pure evangelical reformation, by the simple preaching of the everlasting gospel, and the administration of its ordinances in an exact conformity to the Divine Standard as aforesaid. And, that therefore, whatever the friends of the institution shall please to contribute toward the support of ministers in connection with this society who may be sent forth to preach at considerable distances, the same shall be gratefully received and acknowledged as a donation to its funds.